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Update to Qt launcher, link fixes
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=== Installing on Windows === | === Installing on Windows === | ||
Run the installer and follow its instructions to install FlightGear. | |||
=== Installing on Mac OS X === | === Installing on Mac OS X === | ||
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=== Getting aircraft === | === Getting aircraft === | ||
Additional [[aircraft]] can be downloaded and installed through the launcher. Alternatively, you can go to the FlightGear website and navigate to the [http://www.flightgear.org/download/ download page], then choose the aircraft download link that fits your FlightGear version. For the installation, see [[Howto: Install aircraft]]. | |||
== Running FlightGear == | == Running FlightGear == | ||
=== Starting FlightGear === | === Starting FlightGear === | ||
The easiest way to start FlightGear is a graphical interface like [[FlightGear Qt launcher]]. This is a frontend to the command line version. | |||
The easiest way to start FlightGear is a graphical interface like [[FlightGear | |||
Many users choose however to start FlightGear directly from the command line. The executable name is <tt>fgfs</tt> and can be run without options. If it's "not found", it is likely not in your [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PATH_(variable) path]. The location depends on your particular system and choices you made during compile and installation. There is a list of [[Command Line Parameters]] which must be used to change many options, like the aircraft you want. The most important: | Many users choose however to start FlightGear directly from the command line. The executable name is <tt>fgfs</tt> and can be run without options. If it's "not found", it is likely not in your [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PATH_(variable) path]. The location depends on your particular system and choices you made during compile and installation. There is a list of [[Command Line Parameters]] which must be used to change many options, like the aircraft you want. The most important: | ||
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=== Airports and navigation aids === | === Airports and navigation aids === | ||
When you first start FlightGear, whether from the command line or the graphical interface, you may wonder how to determine what airports are available. | When you first start FlightGear, whether from the command line or the graphical interface, you may wonder how to determine what airports are available. The launcher displays a list of airports, but you will not see details such as tower or [[ILS]] frequencies. You will not find a map showing [[VOR]]s and their frequencies. What can you do? See [[Getting aeronautical charts]]. | ||
In-sim, there is a map you can use in ''Equipment > Map'', which will allow you to see navigation data and the position of airports and aids. For more help with navigation see [[Understanding Navigation]]. | In-sim, there is a map you can use in ''Equipment > Map'', which will allow you to see navigation data and the position of airports and aids. For more help with navigation see [[Understanding Navigation]]. | ||
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...and communication channels that can be used to obtain information or request help: | ...and communication channels that can be used to obtain information or request help: | ||
* The [[FlightGear Manual]], a ''must read'' for beginners; | * The [[FlightGear Manual]], a ''must read'' for beginners; | ||
* [ | * [https://forum.flightgear.org FlightGear Forum] and its subforums; | ||
* [[FlightGear IRC channel]], the quickest way to get help; | * [[FlightGear IRC channel]], the quickest way to get help; | ||
* [[Mailing list|FlightGear users mailing list]], biggest chance to get in contact with core developers; | * [[Mailing list|FlightGear users mailing list]], biggest chance to get in contact with core developers; | ||
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=== Customizing FlightGear without compiling it === | === Customizing FlightGear without compiling it === | ||
[http://www.flightgear.org/ | [http://www.flightgear.org/download/ Our website] offers precompiled binaries for download and install on Windows and Mac OSX, while most Linux distros provide a packaged version in their repositories. | ||
Although the install is binary, most of FlightGear's systems are open to configuration through [[XML]] files and [[NASAL scripting]]. You are free ''and encouraged'' to make changes to aircraft flight models, scenery, textures, OpenGL [[shader]]s and any other feature you wish to change for your personal satisfaction or to share with other FlightGear users. If this is what you intend to do, take a look at the [[Portal:Developer|Developer portal]]. | Although the install is binary, most of FlightGear's systems are open to configuration through [[XML]] files and [[NASAL scripting]]. You are free ''and encouraged'' to make changes to aircraft flight models, scenery, textures, OpenGL [[shader]]s and any other feature you wish to change for your personal satisfaction or to share with other FlightGear users. If this is what you intend to do, take a look at the [[Portal:Developer|Developer portal]]. | ||
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;Testing : | ;Testing : | ||
* [[Building Flightgear|Build]] the latest Git code or download snapshots from the [[FlightGear Build Server]] | * [[Building Flightgear|Build]] the latest Git code or download snapshots from the [[FlightGear Build Server]] | ||
* [ | * [https://sourceforge.net/p/flightgear/codetickets/ File bug reports] | ||
* Running FlightGear via valgrind to track down memory leaks | * Running FlightGear via valgrind to track down memory leaks | ||
;Support : | ;Support : | ||
* Help new users with downloading, compiling, installing and running FlightGear ( | * Help new users with downloading, compiling, installing and running FlightGear (https://forum.flightgear.org or on IRC) | ||
* Provide Ideas & Suggestions, see: [[Feature Requests / Proposals / Ideas]] | * Provide Ideas & Suggestions, see: [[Feature Requests / Proposals / Ideas]] | ||
* Help clean up this wiki | * Help clean up this wiki | ||